Picket Fences

Picket Fences
An aging sheriff tries to keep the peace in Rome, Wisconsin, a small town plagued by violent--and bizarre--crimes.
Picket Fences was one of those rare small-town dramas that managed to be charming, strange, and unexpectedly bold all at once. It had just the right touch of comedy—often dark comedy—to keep things engaging, and I frequently found myself wondering if places like this actually exist, with all their odd happenings simmering beneath the surface. Every week brought a new, quirky mystery or moral dilemma, giving the town of Rome, Wisconsin a personality unlike anything else on TV at the time.
What really surprised me, especially watching it as a teenager, was how many serious and sometimes controversial topics the show tackled—issues I never expected to see addressed in what was technically a family-friendly series. It walked a fine line between heartfelt drama and satirical weirdness, but somehow made it work. Anchored by a strong ensemble cast, Picket Fences remains a unique, thought-provoking show that left a memorable impression far beyond its quirky façade.